Dolphins Cancer Challenge Carries on Jim Mandich's Legacy

Annual event has raised nearly $100 million for cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The Dolphins Cancer Challenge, an annual fundraiser created in 2010 to honor former Miami Dolphins player and broadcaster Jim Mandich after his bile duct cancer diagnosis, has raised close to $100 million for cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Jessica Macintyre, a nurse practitioner who cared for Mandich during his illness, reflects on his lasting impact and the shared experience between providers and patients that fuels the event's continued success.

Why it matters

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge stands out as a unique partnership between a professional sports team and a major cancer research center, with 100% of donations going directly to cancer research. The event has become a rallying point for the South Florida community, uniting patients, providers, and supporters in the fight against cancer.

The details

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge was created in 2010 after Jim Mandich, a former Miami Dolphins player and broadcaster, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. The team launched the event to support Mandich's treatment at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he was cared for by nurse practitioner Jessica Macintyre until his death in 2011. The annual fundraiser has since grown into one of South Florida's largest cancer fundraising events, pushing toward the $100 million mark in total donations.

  • The Dolphins Cancer Challenge began in 2010 after Jim Mandich's cancer diagnosis.
  • Mandich passed away in April 2011.
  • The event is nearing the milestone of raising $100 million for cancer research.

The players

Jim Mandich

A former Miami Dolphins player and broadcaster who was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, inspiring the creation of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

Jessica Macintyre

A nurse practitioner at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center who cared for Jim Mandich during his illness.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

A cancer research and treatment center in Miami, Florida, that has partnered with the Miami Dolphins on the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

Miami Dolphins

The professional football team that launched the Dolphins Cancer Challenge in honor of Jim Mandich.

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What they’re saying

“I took care of Jim Mandich when he was sick with cancer, and at that time, it was amazing to see him going through a terminal disease and still wanting this to come to fruition, and being part of it, despite, you know, the difficulties he had, and being there, and just to see that still alive today, because of his vision, because of his connection with the dolphins, and now the DCC being part of Sylvester for so many years, it's really, truly his legacy.”

— Jessica Macintyre, Nurse Practitioner

“It continues to go on and fuel so much board, in reference to cancer research and to know that everything, 100% of what people contribute to the DCC goes directly to cancer research. Nothing else is really unique, and they're accountable for it, and they show the progress year after year, and so do we. So, we're really excited about this continued partnership and just the investment that they've made at Sylvester and to our community.”

— Jessica Macintyre, Nurse Practitioner

“It gives me goosebumps every time I cross the finish line. I look next to me, and sometimes I look back as well, just to see if I see a patient that's crossing the finish line. It's just an amazing feeling to see them do the same thing I'm doing, and we're both working together for the same common reason. It's just an amazing feeling. It's unlike any other.”

— Jessica Macintyre, Nurse Practitioner

What’s next

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge is expected to reach the $100 million fundraising milestone in the coming years, continuing to fuel cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The takeaway

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge stands as a testament to the power of community, partnership, and a shared vision to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Jim Mandich's legacy lives on through an event that unites patients, providers, and supporters in a common cause, serving as a model for how professional sports teams can leverage their platform to drive meaningful change.